Do you like the idea of hunting with a bow? If so, you might be wondering what the best type of bow to use is. After all, hunting requires different qualities in a bow than traditional archery does.
The easiest bow to use for hunting is a compound bow. Why is this? What are these bows? Find out below.
Compound Bows: What Are They?
Compound bows are a newer invention and are much more sophisticated than recurve or longbows. Compound bows use a system of cables, cams, and pulleys to help draw back the bowstring. This gives the archer a mechanical advantage, which means that the compound bow can be smaller and more manageable for most people.
Many people opt for these compound bows because they provide a good amount of power and accuracy while being relatively easy to use.
Recurve Bows: What Are They?
Recurve bows are one of the most popular kinds of bows in archery. They are also incredible for hunting. Recurve bows are known for their distinctive shape.
Its limbs curve away from the archer, hence the name recurve. As said before, recurves are great for hunters too, but they do require way more practice to use them as effective as compound bows.
For one this has to do with the draw weight of the bow and the required strength to accurately operate it. Secondly, the way the bowstring is released can be more difficult to master with a recurve.
That being said, a lot of people still love hunting with their recurves because they offer a bit more of a challenge and are incredibly satisfying to use once you get the hang of them.
What To Look For In A Hunting Bow?
Trying to pick a hunting bow can be daunting, particularly if you’re new to the sport.
To make things easier for you, we have highlighted some of the factors that you must consider when searching for a hunting bow. These include:
Noise
Ideally, a hunting bow should be quiet. After all, you don´t want to spook the game away while drawing your bow.
If you are concerned that your bow is too loud, you should invest in a string silencer and bow dampener. These products are designed to reduce vibrations and noise production by up to an impressive 90%, so they are definitely worth getting.
Maneuverability
As mentioned, it is crucial that a hunting bow is maneuverable. This is especially true if you are hunting from confined spaces such as a ground blind or out of a tree stand.
You need to be able to get your bow into shooting position quickly and quietly, without disturbing the game.
Cost
Hunting bows can be quite a large investment. In fact, any form of bow-based activity, such as archery, can be expensive as you need to buy equipment, including arrows.
However, this does not mean that you cannot find an incredible bow for an affordable price. Go and visit your local archery shop. They will be able to give you advice on what models represent good value for money and can do all the adjustments needed to get your bow fitting you just right.
Power
Power in bows is measured in draw weight and fps (feet per second). Draw weight is basically the amount of weight the archer needs to pull back the string with. Compound bows offer a feature called let-off which helps reduce the amount of strength needed to hold the bow at full draw – giving you more time to aim and execute the shot.
The fps is the rate at which an arrow leaves the bow. A higher fps means that the arrow will reach its target quicker.
Bow Sight
Lastly, it is also important to invest in a hunting bow with a bow or peep sight. This helps you to get a line of sight on your prey. All modern compound bows are either equipped with sight as part of a package or have the option to add one on.
Why Is It Important To Choose A Hunting Bow?
The main reason why it is essential to find the ideal hunting bow is that hunting bows have other priorities than bows made for target shooting. Of course, you can always use your hunting bow for target shooting as well.
Though recurve and compound bows can both be used in traditional archery, this sport demands different features in a bow.
Hunting bows should be lightweight and maneuverable. This is because you must be able to use them in woods and forests. These environments are difficult to traverse with bows that are long and heavy.
Additionally, hunting bows are commonly shorter than the bows used in traditional archery. This is to improve portability, though it does have an adverse effect on the level of control that the archer has.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Difficult To Hunt With A Bow?
Yes, bowhunting is considered a tough sport. You will likely need to undergo lots of practice before you are a successful bow hunter.
You might not be able to take any game on your first few attempts. But if you are passionate about the sport, it is worth putting the effort in. Try connecting with more experienced hunters in your area.
Is A Recurve Or Compound Bow Better For Hunting?
Often, this is merely a matter of opinion. Both bows are suitable for hunting. If we had to pick one, we would choose a compound bow.
This is because they offer higher versatility and many find them more accurate than recurve bows. Ultimately, you should consider both to see which works best for you.
Conclusion
No one bow can be labeled as the “easiest” to hunt with, as this depends on personal preferences and shooting abilities. However, it is important to choose a hunting bow that is lightweight and easily maneuverable, in order to improve your chances of success while hunting.
